Where have all the accents gone?

[Pippin Joan]

People are more migratory today, as well as influenced by accents from television. I'm from Vermont, USA, and the local accent is much more typical "northeastern" than when I was a child. Most people had a strong local accent then, and it is fast disappearing. My heart thrills when I hear an old-timer greet me with "hoi-hoi". It will soon be gone. My son still imitates his school bus driver who let him off each afternoon with "'Noight, Jimes."

[Celesta]

Hi Lynners,

Strangers used to come up to me and start speaking in a foreign language. It happened a couple of times when I was waiting for the bus, once in the lobby of the building I worked in and in other instances. Turns out they thought I was Swedish. I have no idea why. One of them became very angry with me when I didn't understand him. He finally said, rather loudly, "Aren't you Swedish?!!" I said "No, I'm from Atlanta!" and he waved his arms at me and stomped off! I don't know why this kept happening but it happened for a couple of years on and off.

The closest I can get to Swedish is my famous imitation of the Swedish chef on The Muppets. I knew a Swedish guy and he loved it. He said it sounded just like Swedish, except that it was nonsense words.

See ya.

[DVV]

Sam,
we're waiting for your answer.
Gujerat or what?

[Sam Flynn]

I once helped a blind lady across the road in Hampstead. Once we'd reached the other side she thanked me, and added, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but which part of India do you come from?". That's the Welsh accent for you...

[Lyn]

The strangest thing happened recently. I was sitting at a table talking to Dan when a complete stranger stopped and asked, "where in the south of England are you from?" Not the usual where are you from, or are you Cockney/Scottish/Welsh/Australian/French etc. I've never been asked "where in the south of England" before! Mind you, he had his Plymouths and his Portsmouths mixed up, but it was nice, I admit, to not have to explain that I'm not from Swansea or London or Sydney or Southall.

[Celesta]

Hi Hook,

Yes, they do. It's in the link, I think.

Best,

Cel

[Captain Hook]

Barack's paternal grandmother is on record as stating she was present at his birth in Nairobi. There are numerous lawsuits pending demanding he prove he was born in Hawaii and it would be a simple matter for Mr Obama to do so, yet he refuses to release his birth records. This is a very serious matter as if Mr Obama is not a natural born citizen he is ineligible to serve as president.

Hello Bodiam,

First, I think it's a matter of being a native, nor a natural. Secondly, doesn't America observe the jus sanguinis principle besides the jus soli one? In oter words, don't the children of American citizens born abroad have a right to American citizenship in the same manner as all children born in American soil have that right?

All the best,
Hook

[bodiam]

I would hope so since it is silly. Prevents me from running for president and that is just heartbreaking.

[Celesta]

Hi David,

Some can't conceive of losing the election to the Democrats, as Carl Rove's vision was of a permanent Republican administration, their version of the thousand year reich. Others can't conceive of an African-American in office.

Here's one of many sites that shows the requirements for eligibility to be president. Note anon15065 and subsequent post by catapult43, down the page a bit.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-requirements-to-run-for-president-in-the-united-states.htm

This is off topic, so I guess we ought to hold this discussion on one of the other two threads dealing with the election.

Here's wishing you and the family a lovely weekend, Dahveed.

Best, as always,

Cel

[DVV]

In fact, that's Dāvi in Provenįal, Dawit in Amharic.
About Obama, are some republicans trying to invalidate the election because this birthplace?
Which means they would trust his black grandparents...?!

Affectueusement,
Dahveed

[Celesta]

Hi David,

I had the same question. I was pronouncing it Abber-line, but then I heard a British person pronounce it Abber--leen, although it sounded more like Abber--lee, actually. So maybe it depends less on what country you're in and more on where you are in the country you're in!

As far as changing the requirements for eligibility, there has been some talk about it, but it has come to nothing so far.

So speaking of pronunciation, do you pronounce your name Dah-veed or David?

Good wishes,

Cel

[DVV]

Hi Stephen,
merci beaucoup.

Bodiam,
I've never understood this American law. Will it change?

[bodiam]

Barack's paternal grandmother is on record as stating she was present at his birth in Nairobi. There are numerous lawsuits pending demanding he prove he was born in Hawaii and it would be a simple matter for Mr Obama to do so, yet he refuses to release his birth records. This is a very serious matter as if Mr Obama is not a natural born citizen he is ineligible to serve as president.

[Stephen Thomas]

Hi,
I've noted (watching movies) that "Abberline" is sometimes pronounced "Abberline" like "line", and sometimes "Abberleen".
Is it a matter of accents?
If not, which pronunciation is correct?

Hello David

I asked the same question on the 'lost' boards and got the same sort of answers (in my friend Sam's case EXACTLY the same answer)

Being English I would pronounce it Abber-line.

I imagine that in French it would be Abber-leen (Abber-ligne?)

I reckon Americans would say Abber-leen also, like that place in the song where women don't treat males mean (sic)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nuvZLJCGRG8&feature=related

[The Good Michael]

Gareth,

Just a good turn for a rugger.

Mike